Boys prep of the week: Kyle Roach

 What he did: In four games Roach totaled 109 points with 12 3-pointers while going 37 for 53 from the charity stripe. The Wildcats (4-7) went 1-3 during the stretch. In the three losses, Roach scored 37 points against Branson on Dec. 21, 32 points against Drake on Thursday, and 21 against Terra Linda on Friday. In MA's win over Huntington Park on Saturday, Roach had 29 points including hitting the winning free throws.

 What he said: "I just try and take what the defense is giving. Whether it's taking it to the hoop hard, taking the open look or kicking out to the open man. I'm trying to focus on other things, not just scoring. Rebounding, boxing out, defensive effort. I do whatever the team needs me to do."

 What's next: Marin Academy opens league play on Jan. 14 against Urban. Last year, the Wildcats finished in a tie for first with University. That was when Kyle and his brother Connor were only sophomores and they are expecting to compete for the title again. Before league play there are two more tune-ups against Emery on Saturday and Jan. 11 against Bay.

 Off the court: Kyle and his brother Connor have developed a strong relationship this season. Last year — Connor's first year on varsity, Kyle's second — was a different story. "We definitely clashed sometimes," Kyle said. "Just little stuff, like arguing over a play and how it should've gone. But we have really good chemistry now and we're starting to click more this year than last year."

 Trivial matter: Up until high school Kyle had been coached by his father Tom, and grandfather George dating back to fourth grade. Tom and George started the AAU team the Marin Ducks which both Kyle and Connor played on.

 Coach Neil Caynan: "We had a talk at the beginning of the season that he wants to be a complete player. As far as the scoring, it's no surprise to him or the team that he has emerged. He has also emerged as a rebounder and a defender. He has to step up and guard the better players on the other team. He's strong, quick, has great court awareness, and knows how to play the game. He wants to master many things, and he practices the right way."